Petreta was born July 10, 1923 in Pear Valley, McCulloch County, Texas. When she was 6, Petreta’s family moved to Brady where she attended school and graduated from Brady High School. After graduation at age 16, she worked as one of the first female assistant managers for J.C. Penney in Brady during WWII before transferring to the Austin store. She also attended classes at the University of Texas.
Petreta started a family and moved to Dripping Springs where she did substitute teaching in all 12 grades. She also worked in Driftwood at the office of Thurman Roberts Bridge and Culvert Contracting business. When Thurman opened the Salt Lick she worked there as hostess and cashier.
During her time in Dripping Springs she served fervently in different capacities at the Dripping Springs Baptist Church.
Petreta moved back to Austin where she retired in 1985 after 20 plus years as secretary and office manager of Wilke Amey Clay Funeral Home. She enjoyed her time with The Zilker Garden Club, her friends and neighbors and celebrating her Lord at Christian Life Church.
In 2014 Petreta moved to Uvalde to be close to her daughter, son and other family members.
Petreta cared for people deeply. She could see and sense needs and seek to fill them with love. Her deep faith allowed her to experience the paradoxes of life and people, without judgement, bitterness or question. She lived her life with humility, generosity and great tenderness. She loved her family and friends beyond words.
Petreta was preceded in death by:
Father – William Robert Johnson
Mother – Olive Trewitt Johnson
Brother – Prentice Johnson
First Husband and father of her children, Joe Delbert Malott
Second Husband - John A. (Jack) Watson
Petreta is survived by:
Sisters: Mary Maud Campbell, The Woodlands, TX
Iva Jo Avery, Burnet, TX
Daughter, Nikki Malott, Uvalde TX
Son, Ron Malott, Reagan Wells, TX
4 Grandchildren, 7 Great-Grandchildren and numerous Nieces and Nephews
Funeral Services will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral home, 2620 South Congress Ave, Austin on Thursday February 13th at 2:00 pm
Petreta’s body will return to rest in Brady Texas at Rest Haven Cemetery.
Donations may be made to one’s choice or
West Texas Boys Ranch
10223 Boys Ranch Rd
San Angelo, TX 76904
wtbr.org 325-949-1936
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